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What Happens to Your Insurance After a DUI in Colorado

Colorado requires 25/50/15 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

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Colorado at a Glance

25/50/15

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Optional

PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Colorado

After a DUI or serious violation in Colorado, your current insurer will likely non-renew your policy at the next renewal period — meaning you have weeks or months to find replacement coverage, not days. Colorado requires high-risk drivers to carry continuous liability insurance and file proof of that coverage with the state, typically through an SR-22 certificate. Most standard carriers either don't offer SR-22 filing or will decline to renew drivers who need it, which means you'll need to move to the non-standard market.

SR-22 Certificate

SR-22 is not a type of insurance — it's a certificate your insurer files with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles proving you carry the required minimum liability coverage. Not all carriers offer SR-22 filing, and those that do typically specialize in high-risk drivers.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Non-standard auto insurance is coverage sold by carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers — those with DUIs, violations, lapses, or suspensions on their record. These policies are more expensive than standard coverage, but they're often the only option available after a serious violation. Carriers in this market evaluate risk differently and are willing to accept drivers that standard insurers decline.

High-Risk Auto Insurance

High-risk auto insurance covers drivers classified as high-risk due to their driving record, claims history, or coverage lapses. After a DUI or major violation in Colorado, you're automatically categorized as high-risk, which limits your carrier options and increases your premium. Maintaining continuous coverage is critical — any lapse extends your SR-22 requirement and further increases rates.

Liability Insurance

After a violation, this is the minimum you must maintain continuously, and your insurer will file proof of that coverage with the state. Dropping below these limits or letting your policy lapse triggers penalties and restarts your SR-22 period.

What Drivers Pay in Colorado

$322–$343/mo

Typical monthly rate in Colorado, drivers after a speeding ticket

Rate data: ValuePenguin and CarInsurance.com, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

  • Violation type — DUI increases rates more than a speeding ticket or reckless driving charge
  • Time since violation — rates drop incrementally each year you remain violation-free
  • Prior driving record — a first-time DUI with an otherwise clean record costs less than multiple violations
  • Carrier availability — non-standard market in Colorado includes Bristol West, The General, and Acceptance Insurance, among others
  • Coverage level — minimum liability is cheapest, but full coverage (if offered) can be 2–3× higher
  • Location within Colorado — Denver metro rates are typically higher than rural areas due to accident frequency
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Coverage Types

High-Risk Auto Insurance

Coverage designed for drivers with DUIs, major violations, or suspended licenses. These policies accept drivers that standard insurers decline and include SR-22 filing as part of the service.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Insurance sold by carriers specializing in drivers who don't qualify for standard coverage due to their driving record, coverage history, or credit. Non-standard policies are more expensive but may be your only option immediately after a violation.

SR-22 Insurance

Not a separate insurance type — SR-22 is a filing that proves you carry liability coverage. Your insurer files it with the Colorado DMV and maintains it for the required period, typically 3 years.

Liability Insurance

The minimum coverage required by law in Colorado. Covers damage you cause to others, but not your own vehicle. After a violation, maintaining at least state minimum liability is legally required and must be continuous.

Find Your City in Colorado

Denver

urban

Colorado Springs

urban

Aurora

suburban

Fort Collins

suburban

Lakewood

suburban

Westminster

suburban

Pueblo

urban

Centennial

suburban